Pulmonary Hypertension (Blood Pressure)

Description

High blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries is caused by the blood vessels becoming blocked, narrowed, or destroyed. This elevation in the pressure makes the right side of the heart work harder, and can cause the heart to fail. It can occur secondary to a problem in the pulmonary vessels themselves (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension), or from a problem outside the vessels (Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension). Secondary causes include: pulmonary embolus, COPD, autoimmune diseases, CHF, and sleep apnea.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath during activity, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, fainting, light-headedness during exercise, dizziness, leg swelling.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to establish the diagnosis and reveal a secondary cause of the pulmonary hypertension include: right heart catheterization, echocardiogram, lung biopsy, and/or pulmonary function test.

Treatment

There is no known cure. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms. Medicines used include: ambrisentan (Letairis), bosentan/Tracleer, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and/or prostacyclin. Patients with low oxygen levels will receive oxygen. Severe cases may need a lung or heart/lung transplant. For more information contact: American Lung Association: (800)586-4872 National Jewish Medical and Research Center: (800)222-5864

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Pulmonary Hypertension

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